ALPHA MALE: Manscaping

ALPHA MALE: Manscaping

Almost all men have at least one patch of unwanted hair; a set of unsightly gardens on one’s back or a gorilla-like chest.  “Manscaping” is the term used to describe the process of trimming or eliminating male body hair.  Whether it be armpit hair, nose hair, or those hairs found below the belt – regular manscaping can help create a clean appearance and make you feel more confident about your appearance.

To some degree, manscaping is a modern phenomenon and has become more fashionable with time.  Fortunately, the tools used to manscape have improved over the last 10 years. Razors used for shaving now

contain multiple blades and laser treatments are used to permanently remove hair.  Electric shavers allow men to trim the tumbleweeds on their chest until presentable.  There are more and more ways to effectively remove hair thus improving your appearance.

Shaving

The most common method of manscaping remains shaving.  The advantage to shaving is that it is the easy way to remove hair…the disadvantage to shaving is that you need to do it every week.  We recommend trying some of those often foreign to males, yet effective hair removal techniques.

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Waxing

Waxing involves using a combination of a soy-based solution with a creamy lotion.  Wax is heated and applied directly to the section of hair.  Once the wax dries, it is pulled from the skin bringing the hair along for the ride.  While painful and not recommended in sensitive areas, waxing is a great way to clear up any unwanted hair for 4-6 weeks at a time.

Depilatory creams

The most common depilatory cream is Nair.  These creams are applied to a patch a hair and after a period of time, removed along with the hair.  While easy to use, these creams tend to be only moderately effective.

Lasers

Laser hair removal is the best and most permanent way to remove unwanted hair.  Performed by a dermatologist, a laser light is used to dissolve the root of the hair.  Often, several sessions are needed to remove all hair, but once hair is removed, it is gone for a long time.

Think ahead

Our final piece of advice is to make sure you anticipate those situations that require manscaping.  If you’re headed to Aruba for the week, make sure you clean up prior to wearing your bathing suit to the pool bar, and if you’re going on a date – well… take care of things in advance.  Well-timed manscaping will ensure you feel clean and confident when entering the pool or the heat of battle!

Marc Streisand is president and owner of Marc Allen Fine Clothiers, and takes the custom clothing business very personally. Having enjoyed a successful career in the clothing industry since 1985, Marc brings his clients extensive specialized experience in menswear. Prior to taking over the Marc Allen store in March 2005, he cultivated his knowledge of luxury male attire in New York and his home state of New Jersey, where he began his vocation at Wallach's Specialty Stores. Nothing gives him greater pleasure, he says, than seeing raw cloth transformed into a custom outfit that can directly impact his customer's lifestyle.

Don't miss Marc Streisand's tips for men on GoLocalTV, fresh every day at 4pm and on demand 24/7, here.